Rollator Review--A Great Investment For The Elderly

Mobility walkers are a blessing to the elderly and their caregivers.

                                   



When my grandmother came to live with us, she had lost the better part of her vision. Her former family caregivers had neglected her care so much that she was very weak. She had bad stomach aches and dizzy spells.

She had also been housebound for a long time, and wanted nothing more than to be able to go shopping again. Only her physical health wouldn't allow for extended shopping trips.

As soon as we found her a new doctor, she was given a prescription for a Rollator. At first, she stubbornly refused to use it. Her old lift-and-step walker was good enough, she claimed. Soon, she came to love the Rollator, and so do we!


What Is A Rollator?


A Rollator is a mobility aid. Rollator is actually a brand-name. Many companies make similar products, called mobility walkers.


The difference between mobility walkers and standard walkers are the ease of use. Rollators and similar products have wheels, a seat, and hand-brakes. They sometimes have a storage basket attached or under the seat.


Because the wheels keep the elderly person from having to lift the walker with each step, it makes mobility faster. The seat provides a place to rest. The basket is great for stashing a purse or a few small shopping bags.

How Well Do Rollators Work?

I first saw a Rollator in use at the nursing home. One of my ladies zipped about with her "scooter", as she called it. She never needed a chair. She carried her knitting supplies in the little basket. Her family had personalized hers with a cupholder and decorative stickers. She had made herself a little cushion for the seat. (I know, totally cute, huh? I loved it.)


Impressed, I recommended that my grandmother ask her doctor about one. After she agreed to use it, the change in her personality was incredible. Before, she had been afraid to walk outside or in large crowded areas. Now she had not only a device that would support her, but a place to rest whenever she needed.


Now, the Rollator goes with us everywhere. No more having to search for public benches. No worrying about germs. After her physical health improved from better care and she regained her strength, she was ready and confident to face the world again with her Rollator.


What does she love about it? She loves that she can hide her purse in the seat and sit on it. She doesn't have to worry about losing her purse, and she is pretty sure she would notice if someone was trying to snatch it. This is important for many elderly, especially those with dementia or vision problems who worry about the safety of their personal possession.


Considerations


I highly recommend that all caregivers consider a Rollator or similar mobility walker if they have an elderly relative that is mobile but somewhat limited. Still, a physician should be consulted to make sure a Rollator is the safest device for your loved one. A rolling mobility aid may not be safe enough for someone who cannot understand how to use the hand brakes.


Mobility walkers are portable. Some models are slimmer than others and will fold down to fit in even a small car. My grandmother has a large model and it is lightweight enough that she can carry it folded. It fits into a compact car without any problems.


Where size is an issue is in the home. If the Rollator will be used all the time, not just for outdoors, then you will need to decide which size will maneuver around the house with the most ease.


Mobility devices should be used with proper footwear to prevent falls. They should also be inspected regularly to ensure that all the screws and bolts are tight and that the brake lines are still in good shape. Test the brakes frequently.


A Mobility Device Can Provide A Sense of Independence


Give your loved one the gift of confidence and independence. Talk to their physician about a Rollator or other mobility walker. These devices are a blessing to many elderly who seek security and freedom.

Dementia--Making The Best Of The Good Days

Dealing with dementia every day can be exasperating! How many times as a caregiver, friend or relative have you thrown up your hands in surrender when yet another simple issue becomes a battle? It is okay to admit it...we all feel that way sometimes.      
        

For most caregivers, the middle stages of dementia are the most difficult. During the early stages, a person with dementia is still capable of functioning somewhat normally, albeit with some memory lapses, or confusion.


In later stages, the dementia takes over completely, and the person becomes a highly dependent stranger, who can no longer function without assistance. Still, the middle stages can be the most frustrating. Here, the person with dementia still has moments of lucidity. They may still be physically able to walk, wander, or rummage. Unlike earlier and later stages, the middle stage shows the most fluctuation in personality--with behavior changes from hour to hour, such as:

• Aggression
• Depression
• Refusing meals
• Threats
• Accusations
• Confusion
• Paranoia

To make it more complicated, one day you will wake up and find that the person with dementia is perfectly lucid, in a great mood, and wants to do something. Yet only the day before they were angry and certain that you were "stealing" from them.

Use Good Dementia Days To Your Advantage

While it may be tempting to choose this day to have a friend come over and elderly-sit so that you can get out, it is really much better if you take this day to do something meaningful with the your loved one. Otherwise, you are ONLY going to see the bad days, and that can lead to caregiver burnout...fast.


So, what is the best way to spend the day? If there isn't anything of a pressing or urgent nature (such as a doctor's appointment), ask your loved one what he or she would like to do. If it is warm weather, consider a walk around the yard, a park, or the block.


This is also a good day to go shopping. Treat both of you to a new trinket or pleasantry. This can reinforce good behaviors and can possibly provide a keepsake for the occasion. If your loved one isn't physically or emotionally up for an outing, how about just having a nice conversation over a favorite lunch?

Ideas For Outings 

Depending on the stage of dementia, and how well your loved one copes with strangers or crowds, you may have several options for a day out. Try visiting public places on weekdays when there will be fewer crowds. Always keep the comfort and safety of a person with dementia in mind.


Make sure they are wearing identification in case they become lost. If taking a walk in nature, be sure to take a phone, any medication that must be taken at a certain time, a snack, water, and a small first aid kit. Here are some places that you can go:

• The mall

• A park

• Antique malls and thrift stores

• Local festivals and craft shows

• Open air concerts

• Zoos and aquariums

• Museums

• Nature hikes and guided nature tours

• Picnic in the yard or garden

Inside Activities

Take advantage of a day when the dementia seems to be asleep. But don't use it to catch up on chores or paperwork. Instead, enjoy the all-to-seldom return of your loved one while it lasts. If they don't feel like going out, or if the weather is bad, you can still have a pleasant time in the house.

• Watch some classic movies or family home videos together.

• Get out the photo albums and tell funny stories

• Mock interview your loved one about a time in his or her past

• Mix up some DIY spa recipes in your kitchen

• Mix up some edible treats together

• Enlist their help with some holiday crafting

• Sketch out plans for a  flower garden 

• Hunt for a fun tutorial and learn something new together

• Put on some music and dance

• Read a book out loud

• Pull out some cards or board games

These are just a few suggestions. Don't stereotype your loved one though. Dementia will sometimes alter their likes and dislikes. They may prefer to do things they never enjoyed before, and avoid activities they once loved.


Don't force them to be their "old selves". Embrace their new, spontaneous likes, and spend the good dementia days building up new memories.